Classicist

The Turks and Caicos islands in the British West Indies is well known for having the world’s most beautiful beaches. It also has some of the world’s most stylish and luxurious beach resorts, which are remarkable for their amazingly private settings and lush natural landscapes, far removed from the over-development that plagues some other Caribbean hotspots. The perfect setting for our latest style feature, we’re sure you’ll agree.

Parrot Cay, located on a pristine 1,000-acre private island, including a mile-long powdered beach, is an elegant combination of glorious nature, understated luxury and unparalleled privacy complete with an award-winning holistic spa, healthy gourmet cuisine and beach villas with private pools (above).

The villas are a favorite with celebrities including Donna Karan, Bruce Willis, Keith Richards and Sir Paul McCartney. Some like Willis and Karan were so entranced they decided to build their own beach houses on the island. Want to own one? So do we. Parrot Cay is currently offering a small selection of villas for private ownership, starting at $10 million.

Continue reading Reach the Beach: Luxury Resort Style in the Turks & Caicos Islands {Exclusive Feature}

Reach the Beach: Luxury Resort Style in the Turks & Caicos Islands {Exclusive Feature} originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Mint juleps, seersucker, stately plantations, belles in summer dresses and those F. Scott Fitzgerald stories where they go around saying “Good mawnin’, Sally Carrol” — all come together in the new spring collection from Southern Proper, a gentleman’s outfitter from Atlanta now gaining wider recognition from natty northerners.

Continue reading The Classicist: Southern Proper’s Timeless Style

The Classicist: Southern Proper’s Timeless Style originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The new Volvo S60 R-Design, the marque’s sportiest model ever, serves as the inspiration for The Classicist’s latest installment of seasonal style (see the late winter edition here).

As previewed by our brethren at Autoblog at the Paris Auto Show, the S60 R-Design amps up what Volvo had already declared to be its first “naughty” model; ask anyone who knows us – we’ve always had a soft spot for naughty models. The car’s snappy 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline turbo six remains unchanged, but the R-Design designation adds some styling upgrades that give it an aptly more aggressive stance.

Continue reading The Classicist: Early Spring Style Starring the Volvo S60

The Classicist: Early Spring Style Starring the Volvo S60 originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Swedish gun and rifle maker VO Vapen, founded in 1977 by master gunsmith Viggo Olsson, fashions the world’s most exclusive handmade hunting rifles. Their newest creation, the VO Falcon Edition (above), is the world’s most expensive priced at about $820,000. The VO Falcon Edition is a tribute to the deep rooted traditions of falconry in the Arabian world, covered by beautiful engravings of Peregrine and Saker falcons among other luxurious finishes.

Continue reading The Classicist: VO Guns Debuts the Falcon, World’s Most Expensive Rifle, for $820,000 [EXCLUSIVE]

The Classicist: VO Guns Debuts the Falcon, World’s Most Expensive Rifle, for $820,000 [EXCLUSIVE] originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Project X Designs, the London-based Rolex customizer whose fans include “James Bond” star Daniel Craig, has come out with three new military-inspired “stealth” designs based on the classic Rolex Submariner and Rolex Explorer. The cool new models pay homage to Agent 007, the legendary British Special Boat Service (SBS) and military issue Submariners of 1950s – 1970s, original models of which fetch a small fortune at auction.

Continue reading The Classicist: James Bond Style – Project X’s New British Military “Stealth” Rolexes

The Classicist: James Bond Style – Project X’s New British Military “Stealth” Rolexes originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Husqvarna 400CR motorcycle pictured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in August 1971 ridden by Steve McQueen, aka The King of Cool, will be auctioned off on May 14 at Quail Lodge in Carmel, California during Bonhams’ sale of Exceptional Motorcycles & Related Memorabilia. McQueen’s favorite motorcycle for a number of years, which he rode at the Elsinore Grand Prix among other events, it’s sure to fetch a significant amount. The bike is featured prominently in the cool new edition of McQueen’s Machines: The Cars and Bikes of a Hollywood Icon from Motorbooks.

The Husqvarna was originally purchased from the Steve McQueen Estate Sale in 1984 at Harrah’s Auto Collection in Las Vegas. In addition to being impeccably restored and fully documented it comes with a wooden trunk marked “Husky” full of accessories. More McQueen ephemera will be offered at the sale including numerous racing trophies won by the legend of the silver screen and die-hard motorbike enthusiast. As we reported on March 10, McQueen’s 1970 Porsche 911 is also headed for auction this summer.

Steve McQueen’s Husqvarna Motorcycle Up for Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Each owner and their guest will enjoy the Breeders’ Cup races in the comfort of a finish-line owner’s suite at the iconic Churchill Downs, one of the world’s greatest racetracks and home of the Kentucky Derby, as well as an invitation to attend sun-up morning workouts. A one-on-one meeting with a renowned thoroughbred trainer and an insider’s look at a famed horse farm are also in the offing. The Unbridled experience is available in limited quantities at no extra charge for Flexjet customers purchasing a new fractional share now through June 12, 2011; the all-inclusive experience takes place November 3 – 6.

Continue reading The Classicist: Thoroughbreds, Bourbon and Private Planes from Flexjet

The Classicist: Thoroughbreds, Bourbon and Private Planes from Flexjet originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In addition to its starring role in the film, the Porsche 911S was used as Steve McQueen’s personal transport during the movie’s production, later joining his own stable of extraordinary motor cars in California – a collection that over the years included everything from a Jaguar XK-SS, multiple Ferraris, Porsches, airplanes, motorcycles and everything in between. Today, the 911S is presented in exceptionally original condition, and is offered from the collection of one of America’s foremost Porsche aficionados.

Steve McQueen’s Famed 1970 Porsche 911S at Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

1930s Bespoke Gentleman’s Spirits Case from Goyard originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

“A true connoisseur’s car, the Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback has a place in the world’s finest collections,” says David Gooding, President and founder. “This recently-discovered, two-owner R-Type is the ultimate collector’s Bentley for its role in luxury motoring history and sophisticated performance specification.” Gooding have not released estimates for the Bentley or Miura, but expect the bidding to be fierce. Meanwhile the Aston Martin’s estimate is $425,000 – $475,000; the AC Cobra $450,000 – $550,000; the Lotus $175,000 – $225,000; and the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso $600,000 – $750,000.

Rare Ferraris, Bentleys, Astons & More at Gooding’s Amelia Island Sale originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

As an Englishman living in New York himself, Bell was inspired by the fact that there are 120,000 British men and women living in New York City – about the same amount as the entire population of Stamford, Connecticut. In addition to the above Bell photographed a diverse cross-section of British born figures, including taxi drivers, cops, construction workers, divers, helicopter pilots, chefs, burlesque dancers, drug dealers, UN ambassadors and dog walkers, all of whom tell stories about how they came to settle in New York.

“I went for a walk in Central Park with Sting, and for a cup of tea on Kate Winslet’s roof terrace, sat on Zo Heller’s stoop and watched Stephen Daldry bicycle down 8th Avenue,” Bell relates. “I was given a private tour of both the Metropolitan Museum and the Barneys’ shop windows. I started with a blank canvas and was amazed by the number of Englishmen and women who have made such a large impact on the cultural life of the city. And amidst all the questions about why people had come here and what they had left behind, I learnt a little bit more about what it means to be English, what it means to be a New Yorker, and where the two intersect.”

“We are extremely excited to be hosting an event to honour Jason and his brilliant work,” says Jonathan Heilbron, President and CEO of Thomas Pink. “Thomas Pink itself is ‘An Englishman in New York.’ We opened our Madison Avenue Flagship store over 13 years ago and New York has come to be a second home and major market for our brand. Thomas Pink is English at heart but we are truly a New Yorker too.” [cont'd]

Continue reading The Classicist: Thomas Pink Celebrates Englishmen in New York

The Classicist: Thomas Pink Celebrates Englishmen in New York originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Ernest Hemingway’s African Safari Rifle Up for Auction

Ernest Hemingway’s African Safari Rifle Up for Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

There guests will be treated to cocktails followed by an impressive meal from celebrated chef Neil Ferguson accompanied an amazing selection of vintage wines, retiring afterwards to rustic suites. Following breakfast on Sunday also by Ferguson there will be a spot of skeet shooting before another scenic drive back to town. “Tweeds are an option, but style is a must,” Quinn tells us. There are only 14 spots on the list, and several have already been filled; the price is $2,000 for singles and $3,000 per couple including the cars and everything except gas and speeding tickets. Call the designer’s New York store at 212 226-7030 to reserve.

Classic Cars, Fine Wine & Cool Design: The Duncan Quinn Appellation Rally originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Meticulously handcrafted inside and out at a special manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria, the military-derived G-Wagen is the progenitor of every Mercedes-Benz SUV on the road today. Essentially unchanged aside from certain key upgrades since it was first introduced over 30 years ago, it’s done everything from winning the famous Paris-Dakar Rally to making sure the Pope gets to his appointments on time. With a starting sticker of $105,000 it’s definitely something of an indulgence, but that helps maintain a certain exclusivity which is not without an appeal of its own. Only a few thousand models are sold here every year so you don’t often see another one en route; while that means a certain amount of stares directed your way, unless you get one custom-painted bright red – it’s only offered in an understated palette of black, grey, silver, white and dark green – those tend to be minimal as it’s about as subtle as an SUV this size can get.

To help see out the season in style we have assembled a number of items which complement the G-Wagen’s rugged good looks and provide essential assistance before, during and after the journey. For starters we selected a lightweight, trim-fitting down bomber jacket by Ralph Lauren Black Label (above left), made of supple goat suede with a leather throat latch and gunmetal hardware. The most stylish weather defender we’ve seen all season, it’s the G-Wagen of outerwear. On the wrist we sported the new limited edition Breitling Transocean Chronograph (above right), a high-performance, shock-resistant, and damned good-looking watch on a mesh steel strap, while waxed canvas hunting boots from L.L. Bean Signature kept our feet warm and dry.

Continue reading The Classicist: Seeing Out the Season in Style with the Mercedes-Benz G550

The Classicist: Seeing Out the Season in Style with the Mercedes-Benz G550 originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Some of the most precious gems in famed fashion designer Ralph Lauren’s incredible car collection will be exhibited for the the first time ever in Paris this spring. Lauren’s collection, in our opinion the finest one in private hands on the planet, features impeccable examples of the rarest and most valuable vehicles in the world. We can reveal exclusively that four of his exquisite automotive works of art, which have never before been seen in public, will be on view at the Muse des Arts Dcoratifs in Paris from April 28 – August 28: a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM; a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Scaglietti; a 1956/1958 Jaguar XKSS; and a 1931 Alfa Romeo Monza 8C 2300.

13 other Lauren cars will also be on display during the exhibit, entitled The Art of the Automobile: Masterpieces from the Ralph Lauren Collection, including an amazing 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (above), a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, and a 1938 Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic Coup. The last two alone are worth about $30 – $40 million each, and are among the world’s most expensive cars. The Paris exhibit will focus on European models created between the 1930s and the 1990s, “illustrating the evolution of car design in the 20th Century.” They were selected by curator Rodolphe Rapetti and will be arranged by scenographer Jean-Michel Wilmotte, with the “kinetics” and sound of the vehicles conveyed by means of various films and recordings. The museum will also be producing a luxe book to celebrate the occasion.

Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: Ralph Lauren to Exhibit Car Collection Classics for the First Time

EXCLUSIVE: Ralph Lauren to Exhibit Car Collection Classics for the First Time originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Holders of the Royal Warrant include many of our favorite luxury brands – Asprey, Aston Martin, Bentley, Barbour, Burberry, Fortnum & Mason, Gieves & Hawkes, Holland & Holland, Hunter Boots, Jaguar, John Lobb, Johnnie Walker, Land Rover, Laphroaig, Lock & Co., Swaine Adeney Brigg, Smythson, Tanqueray and Turnbull & Asser – along with a host of lesser names, such as After Eight mints and Jacob’s Cream Crackers. It is the latter two that have now decided to do without their warrants – though no insult is intended to the royal family, as it was when former Harrods owner Mohamed al Fayed burned his last year. That coupled with the results of a new survey showing that only 13% of respondents thought that warrants make any difference have called their usefulness into question, the London Guardian reports.

However, “It’s hard to say that interest in royal warrants is conclusively on the wane,” Vicky Bullen, chief executive of Coley Porter Bell, tells the paper, “because there is no existing data with which to make a comparison. However, consumers’ apparent indifference to the royal warrants has surprised us. We can only surmise there could be a number of factors at play.” Said factors, Bullen says, include “that we live in a less deferential society in which the royal family enjoys less prestige and political support.” That of course is not exactly new, though the upcoming Royal Wedding may give them a boost. [cont'd]

Continue reading The Classicist: Is the Royal Warrant Losing Its Lustre?

The Classicist: Is the Royal Warrant Losing Its Lustre? originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

To mark the occasion, RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house, has selected Salon Priv as the venue for its third annual European sale. Themed ‘Quintessentially English’ and scheduled for June 23, the new RM sale is set to become a regular fixture on the company’s global events calendar, catering specifically for collectors with an affinity for British marques. Also joining the luxe event, now in its sixth season, for the first time is Land Rover who have confirmed that they will show the new Range Rover Evoque models which guests will be able to test drive.

2011 marks a return to the event for Porsche alongside such brands as Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Morgan and Rolls-Royce. In addition to the stunning display of modern super and luxury cars, the event’s internationally renowned Concours d’Elgance returns with seven new categories and a display of some of the rarest and most valuable cars in the world. Examples of this year’s categories include Ferrari 250 Competizione, Historic Grand Prix Single Seaters, Grand Routier, Oddballs, Motorcycles from the Steve McQueen era and a collection of stunning Rolls-Royce models to celebrate the 100 year centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy. [cont'd]

Continue reading The Classicist: London’s Luxe Salon Prive Comes to ‘Gosford Park’

The Classicist: London’s Luxe Salon Prive Comes to ‘Gosford Park’ originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

“My original vision for the shop had always been a kind of imaginary Savile Row tailor’s shop-meets Park Avenue men’s club-meets Gertrude Stein for a bullshot,” Flusser tells us. “In other words, an environment suffused with Old World taste and totems.” As a younger and more ‘downtown’ crowd has increasingly taken to the merits of fine tailoring, however, Flusser felt it was time for an update, both decor and clothes-wise. Having introduced a slimmer fitting, more body conscious silhouette – the “Vanderbilt” – to his repertoire in 2008, Flusser “wanted the look of the shop to more closely reflect that sleeker sartorial idiom.” Enter silver walls, alligator skin tables, 1940s leather and chrome furniture, black lacquer fittings, and of course a cocktail bar. [cont'd]

Continue reading The Classicist: A Quarter Century of Style at Alan Flusser’s New Custom Shop

The Classicist: A Quarter Century of Style at Alan Flusser’s New Custom Shop originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Considered one of the most original examples in existence, the early production Ferrari 212 Inter Coup is one of just six examples bodied by Vignale, and was displayed at the Turin Motor Show in 1953. Since the mid-1980s, it has sat untouched in a private garage in the Midwest, emerging for the first time in decades just last week. Presented in very original condition, with the exception of its paint which was returned to its original color scheme of black with a green roof and fins in 1979, it’s offered in ‘as is’ condition with an estimate of $375,000 – $500,000. Other desirable Ferraris in the sale include a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS (est. $650,000 – $800,000), and a 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Boano Berlinetta, est. $550,000 – $650,000.

Rare 1950s Ferraris on Offer at RM Amelia Island originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Prior to the event in ’64 Steve McQueen and other members of U.S. team stopped off in London and bought six-pocket Barbour Internationals, derived from a one-piece racing suit first offered by the firm in 1936, as a defence against the vagaries of European weather. McQueen quickly became enamored of the International’s weather-defying qualities and rugged utility, wearing it in several grueling moto races over the years. Classic images of McQueen in his Barbour grace the linings of the jackets in the new collection. Standout pieces include the Penton (above, $799) and Baker ($599) waxed cotton jackets featuring stars and stripes linings and U.S. flags on the left chest, faithfully recreating the jacket that McQueen wore in the ’64 ISDT. Two other wax cotton jackets, the Trophy ($429) and the Greenham ($399), reflect McQueen’s effortless style on and off the racecourse. [cont'd]

Continue reading The Classicist: Barbour Launches the Ltd. Edition Steve McQueen Collection

The Classicist: Barbour Launches the Ltd. Edition Steve McQueen Collection originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.